Kitetour from Germany to Florida-SE, in March 2010

[motzi]

Hi Rick,

shame, this is exactly what I didn´t want to hear

I love to go on Friday after work with my van to the Baltic Sea. Somewhere on the spot at the parking lot or directly to the meadow to spend my weekend. Usually, we arrange to meet in advance of the forum to build a trench on the sea, chillout, hear music, talk and drink a beer together
Of course, new people are always welcome - this is surf-feeling made in Germany

And this is precisely a no go in "the land of opportunity"

Anyway thanks for the kind of information

So long! Carsten

[ricki]

Hello Carsten,

I can relate, having experiences related to parking in parts of Switzerland in the Alps at resorts or even in some major cities in Europe. I believe it comes down to limited area and diverse use that needs to be satisfied. That is certainly what applies here. Considering in SE Florida you're talking about over 5 million people largely within 8 miles of the ocean over three counties. That amounts to considerable density perhaps ten times that of Germany with limited public access and parking to ocean areas. Then add in many decades of intense tourism (many millions) over the same area. More people but the land stays the same, in fact it shrinks. Fifty year ago you might have been able to just park your caravan for the night on the beach in densely populated SE Florida, say Ft. Lauderdale, but not since. You can still do this in parts of northern Florida however usually where population density is quite low. As far as having a drink with friends after a session on or near the beach, that is quite common. It seems to happen all over. Just not camping over night, at least outside campgrounds. The very reason this practice no longer exists in rapidly growing SE Florida is because it is the land of opportunity. So it goes.

It isn't that bad when you check it out. Lots of pluses, some minuses, just like many places.

[greg meintjes]

There is a great campground called Jabours just outside Key West, if you get down here look us up , we will be happy to kite and share beers with you.

Greg

http://www.keywestkiteboarding.com/

[motzi]

Hi Rick,

okay, I understand a little bit away from the towns and beaches so is also okay?
We'll see if we incorporate the NE which even in our travel plans. What is there really with the wind in March?

Can I in "pinch" use the parking lot of the shopping mall for a night?

Originally Posted by greg meintjes

There is a great campground called Jabours just outside Key West, if you get down here look us up , we will be happy to kite and share beers with you.

Greg

http://www.keywestkiteboarding.com/

Then I know definitely where I'm going at KW to the campground
I'm just views the website and would like to join a nice boat ride with you. Can you send me the exact address or can I see it from the road? Do I have to pre book here, or is there enough space?

So long! Carsten

[ricki]

Hello Carsten,

I haven't really used a camper down here and can only comment on what I've seen. You might get away in a shopping mall parking lot or you might get rousted by the police in the middle of the night. I imagine enforcement varies, there really are a lot of campgrounds. There will be some demand as you will be traveling during spring break and the campgrounds are also popular with the college kids. Others have input on this in SE Florida?

The websites for both public and private camp grounds appear in the link I posted about this at: http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=2278 (there are other posts in that section that may be helpful to visiting kiters, http://fksa.org/forumdisplay.php?f=89).

[b-rad]

check out coconutcoveresort.net in Islamorada and see what they can do...

we might be able to find a parking spot for you...

[greg meintjes]

Hi Carsten, how long you are planning on camping in Key West will depend on if you will have to pre book, The boat leaves from Hurricane hole marina at the entrance to Key West, it is on the highway, just give me a few days notice and I will get you out. How many are coming down?

Greg